Agias, who was weak and helpless with his wounds. On the poop Caesar was conversing with a seaman of magnificent presence, who was in the act of assuring the Imperator that his vessel and crew were at the general's service. III The boats of the rescuer were pulling about, taking up such few Romans as had been able to keep afloat; but Drusus was too exhausted to give them further heed. He realized that the vessel he was aboard was no member of the Roman squadron, that its crew were neither Caesarians nor Alexandrians. Deft hands aided him off with his water-soaked clothing, and placed bandages on his bruises and cuts. A beaker of spiced wine, the like of which he had never drunk before, sent a thrill of reinvigorated life through his veins. When he came back upon the deck he found Caesar--pale, yet, as ever, active and untiring--still conversing with the captain of the vessel. The Imperator had a bandage drawn across his forehead, but otherwise he seemed none the worse for his recent danger. The galley, under a swinging oar, was pulling back across the "Great Harbour" to the palace quay. The battle was over; four hundred good Roman lives had been lost, but the disaster had not entailed any serious compromise of Caesar's position. There was no need of continuing at the Pharos, and it was well to assure the anxious garrison at the palace-fortress that their general was safe and sound. Drusus, as the one thing natural under the circumstances, went to the captain of his rescuers to express his obligation and gratitude. "This is Quintus Livius Drusus," said Caesar, good-naturedly, already at his ease, to the strange commander, "who serves on my staff. In saving him I owe you a debt, O Demetrius, in addition to my own rescue." The stranger caught Drusus by both hands. "Are you indeed the son of Sextus Drusus of Praeneste?" he questioned with eagerness. "Assuredly, my good sir," replied the young Roman, a bit confused at the other's impetuosity. "And did your father never tell you of a certain Demetrius, a Greek, who was his friend?" "He did; this Demetrius was cast into prison and condemned by Pompeius; my father secured his escape;" and Drusus hesitated. His mind had worked rapidly, and he could jump at a conclusion. "Say it out, your excellency," pressed the seaman. "He became a pirate, though my father did not blame him overmuch." "_Eu!_" interrupted Caesar, as if to prevent a moment of awkwardness. "Before King Minos's days nothing was more honourable. I have known some excellent men who were pirates." But Demetrius had, in true Eastern fashion, fallen on his knees and kissed the feet of Drusus. "The son of my preserver! I have saved him! Praises to Mithras!"